Integrative practice is increasingly recognised as essential for effective therapeutic work given the complexity that characterises the human experience. Yet, there are concerns in the field that this is not widely taught, and there is a risk of therapeutic “drift” or feeling lost in a conceptual “soup”. This presentation explores what integrative practice is and proposes a systemic meta-framework that supports thoughtful, coherent integrative practice rather than unanchored eclecticism.

Drawing on my work as a clinician, supervisor, mentor, and educator, I describe my approach to systemic integrative practice with a meta-framework as a way of thinking across levels of experience – neurobiological, psychological, relational, community, cultural, and sociopolitical – to collaborate with clients in ways that are helpful in their unique situation and acceptable to them. In this presentation I will provide a framework with a process map that promotes flexibility without losing theoretical integrity. This is possible because a systemic meta-framework offers the “helicopter view” that allows us to hold multiple perspectives, generate contextual hypotheses, and adapt interventions with purpose and coherence. It also safeguards against “trying to do everything or anything,” instead encouraging integration guided by systemic principles, curiosity, ethics, and context-sensitivity.This presentation will outline the core components of a Meta-Framework for Systemic Integrative Practice and demonstrate how they can be applied in clinical work, supervision, and reflective practice. Through a practical roadmap example, it will illustrate integrative practice in action: tailoring interventions to client needs and context, using reflexivity to guide decision-making, and embedding tools such as hypothesising, multiple perspectives, and the ethics of hospitality to support collaborative, ethical, and flexible practice.

About the Speaker  

Dr Leonie White is a Clinical Family Therapist and Psychologist with nearly 30 years’ experience supporting individuals, families, schools, professionals, and organisations through an integrative systemic lens with a focus on strengths, resources, solutions and meaning making.
She offers counselling, supervision, consultation, training, and university teaching, and is the founder of Phoenix Family Therapy Academy. 
Her work weaves together neuroscience, attachment, systemic thinking, and other therapeutic approaches to honour peoples lived experiences, relationships, and capacities. She’s passionate about making Systemic Family Therapy accessible and is the creator of the Helping Families Thrive card sets and a range of free resources for families and professionals.

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